U.S. rolls to Pan Am finals

The United States rolled into today’s women’s basketball final at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janiero behind 21 points from Angel McCoughtry and a little help from a pair of Lady Vols.

The U.S. beat Canada 75-59 to draw a meeting with host Brazil today.

Nicky Anosike scored nine points on 3-for-5 shooting and pulled down five rebounds.

Alexis Hornbuckle, who struggled to an 0-for-4 shooting effort, had two steals and three rebounds.

As dominant as the finish was, the U.S. didn’t take charge until five minutes were left in the first half when Anosike’s basket made it 27-20 U.S.

Five points from McCoughtry helped increase the lead to 36-22 and the Americans cruised from there.

Although the U.S. has been dominant in women’s basketball, this team came in extremely short on international experience.

The team has depth, and coach Dawn Staley has used everyone, so none of her players should be tired for the final.

“It’s exciting. I think that the committee put together a great team to compete for a gold medal and to win a gold medal,” Staley said. “And I think our team has played extremely well under these circumstances, being the youngest team here.”

There biggest challenge comes today, facing a veteran Brazil team in a gym packed with rowdy hometown fans.

“They will be tested (Tuesday), tested like no one,” Staley said. “I kind of compare it to some of them having big rivalries with each other’s schools and it is going to be much like that, but probably with 10 times as much hype.”